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Jerry Greenfield Interview
Jerry Greenfield discusses Ben & Jerry's social mission, philanthropy, and the importance of social justice for a sustainable future.
Key Takeaways
- Ben & Jerry's integrates philanthropy and social mission into its business model.
- Social justice is essential for creating equal opportunities and a sustainable planet.
- Helping others creates reciprocal benefits, reflecting a spiritual dimension in business.
- Institutions like Grinnell College play a key role in promoting social justice and recognizing changemakers.
- Recognition is valuable but not the main driver for those committed to social progress.
Summary
- Ben and Jerry focused part of their business on philanthropy and social mission from the beginning.
- A portion of Ben & Jerry's profits is donated to the Ben & Jerry's Foundation supporting social justice projects.
- Jerry Greenfield highlights the spiritual aspect of business, emphasizing reciprocity in helping others.
- He stresses the importance of social justice in leveling opportunities between privileged and underprivileged people.
- Greenfield links social justice to sustainability and the long-term thriving of the planet.
- He praises Grinnell College for recognizing young people who positively change the world.
- Grinnell’s leadership in social justice and equality positions the college as a committed institution.
- Recognition for prize winners is appreciated but not the primary motivation for their work.
- The video underscores the connection between business ethics, social impact, and sustainability.
- Greenfield advocates for a fairer world to ensure ongoing social and environmental health.
Chapters
- 00:00Introduction to Jerry Greenfield Interview
- 00:21Ben & Jerry's Philanthropic and Social Mission
- 00:43Spiritual Aspect of Business and Reciprocity
- 01:12Social Justice and Equal Opportunity
- 01:35Sustainability and Importance of Social Justice
- 01:59Grinnell College's Role in Recognizing Changemakers
- 02:21Recognition and Motivation for Social Impact Work
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
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SARAH PURCELL: From the beginning, Ben and Jerry both focused their business, part of their business, on having a philanthropic and social mission, with a portion of the profits of Ben and Jerry's all being donated to the Ben and Jerry's Foundation, which
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has participated in many, many good works, many kinds of projects for social justice and progress in the United States.
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JERRY GREENFIELD: There is a spiritual aspect to business, just as there is to the lives of individuals. As you give, you receive. As you help others, you are helped in return.
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And just because the idea that the good that you do comes back to you is written in the Bible and not in some business textbook doesn't mean that it's any less valid.
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We have a world in which, for whatever reason, there are a lot of people who are privileged and then there's a lot of people who don't get a fair shake, and social justice is evening that field so that everybody has an opportunity.
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I think it's critically important for a sustainable planet. You know, if you want to have a world in which there's haves and have-nots, it's not that important, but that is not a world that will thrive or continue. I think for Grinnell to be recognizing young
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people who are changing the world in a positive way is a great statement, and I think Grinnell taking the lead in terms of social justice and equality is a great thing for Grinnell to be doing. So I think it really positions the college as saying this is a stake in the
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ground, this is something we believe in. For the prize winners, they're doing the work anyway, but it's nice to be recognized for what you're doing. It's not why people do it. It's not why people are engaged in making the world better and more sustainable,
Topics:Jerry GreenfieldBen and Jerry'ssocial justicephilanthropysustainabilitybusiness ethicsGrinnell Collegesocial missionBen and Jerry's Foundationsocial impact
